GARETH MACKIE

A financial technology (fintech) start-up from Edinburgh is heading to Abu Dhabi after making the final in a global “integrity challenge” run by banking giant Citi.

More than 1,000 companies from 70 countries entered the awards. Wallet.Services, based at the city’s CodeBase tech incubator, is one of just 15 to go forward in the category of “cutting red tape” after submitting a “blockchain” prototype it built for the Scottish Government that aims to simplify the process of applying for permits and licences.

Managing director Stuart Fraser will be demonstrating the technology at the final in Abu Dhabi on Monday. Up for grabs is a financial award and the chance to pilot the system with Citi’s support, with the winners to be unveiled in June.